With a successful challenge to the Accords behind her, and her relationship with Malcolm Campbell made public, Helena Davies' life seems perfect. Then the attacks begin. As the enemy magi known as the Mercy wreak havoc on Warden strongholds, Helena and the oracular bookstore Abernathy's play their role in guiding the Wardens. But the oracle knows a deadly secret, one Helena struggles to interpret while the enemy draws nearer. And the one question she needs the answer to is the one question the oracle will not answer: